Global Courant 2023-04-15 17:09:37
Heavy fighting can mean protracted struggles in a country already experiencing economic collapse and flare-ups of tribal violence.
The international community has condemned the escalation of violence in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported after days of tension between the armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Fighting took place over Khartoum airport, military bases, the presidential palace and the army chief’s residence.
Countries were quick to denounce the violence and call for calm.
United States
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the situation in Sudan was “fragile” but stressed that there was still an opportunity to complete the transition to a civilian-led government.
Blinken claimed that some actors “might push against that progress”.
US Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey said on Twitter that he was “currently sheltering in place with the embassy team, as Sudanese do in Khartoum and elsewhere”.
“Escalating tensions within the military component to direct combat is extremely dangerous,” Godfrey wrote. “I urge senior military leaders to stop the fighting.”
Escalating tensions within the military component into direct combat is extremely dangerous. I urge senior military leaders to stop the fighting. (2/2)
— John Godfrey (@USAMBSudan) April 15, 2023
United Kingdom
The British Embassy in Sudan urged its citizens to stay indoors.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan where military fighting is ongoing,” the embassy said on Twitter. “We advise all British nationals in Sudan to stay indoors and follow our travel advice for more updates.”
We are closely monitoring the situation in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan, where military confrontations are ongoing.
We advise all UK nationals in Sudan to stay indoors and follow our travel advice for more updates:
— UK in Sudan (@UKinSudan) April 15, 2023
Russia
The Russian embassy in Sudan said it was concerned about an “escalation of violence” in the country and called for a ceasefire and negotiations, Russia’s state news agency RIA reported.
The embassy said the atmosphere in Khartoum was tense, but Russian diplomats were safe.
Egypt
Egypt expressed serious concern over the ongoing clashes in Sudan and called on all parties to exercise restraint, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government said it was “deeply concerned” about the escalation and fierce fighting in Sudan. It called on warring parties to “choose dialogue over conflict”.
United Nations
UN Special Envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes has “strongly condemned” the outbreak of fighting in the country and has called for an “immediate” end to the violence.
Perthes “has contacted both sides asking them to immediately cease fighting to ensure the safety of the Sudanese people,” a statement said.
European Union
Joseph Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, called on all forces involved to immediately stop the violence in Sudan, saying in a tweet that all EU personnel in the country are safe and accountable.
